Parents urged to stay vigilant as child kidnappings on the rise
Crime statistics from the last quarter of 2024 revealed that Gauteng had the highest number of kidnappings in the country, with a total of 2,499 cases.
There has been an alarming rise in kidnappings in South Africa over the last few years.
Factors such as organised crime, economic hardship, human trafficking, a weak judicial system, and political and social instability have all been noted as contributing factors to the rise in kidnappings.
"Five years ago, 1,919 people were kidnapped in South Africa over three months. Fast forward to today, and the latest crime statistics reveal a staggering increase—4,748 kidnappings were recorded during the same timeframe," reports IOL.
"According to the most recent crime statistics, covering October to December 2024, Gauteng recorded the highest number of kidnappings, 2,499 cases, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, 901, and the Western Cape, 275. It's safe to say that the numbers make it all very real and have left us concerned, but the rise in kidnappings is still imminent, leaving parents and children vulnerable in the hands of kidnappers."
The Thompsons Security Group issued a warning to parents and guardians recently about the rise in child kidnappings in busy public areas such as shopping centres.
Check out the video from Thompson's Security Group warning residents of Pretoria specifically, courtesy of TikTok.
@thompsonssecuritygroup Kidnapping is an unfortunate reality we have to face, so please keep an eye out for your children whenever you go out. Especially in busy areas like malls for example. #ThompsonsSecurity #ThompsonsSecurityGroup #TacticalResponse #StaySafesa #HighRiskProtection #PrivateSecurity #Armedsecurity #crimetok #securityguards #safersouthafrica #securitytips
♬ original sound - Thompsons Security Group
To keep you and your family informed and prepared for anything, check out the video below on tips on how to survive kidnapping and more, courtesy of YouTube.
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